2011 Mercedes CL-Class Owner's Manual - Page 455
2011 Mercedes CL-Class Manual
Page 455 highlights
Tire labeling Tread wear The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified U.S. government test track. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half times as well on the government test track as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate conditions. tires (Y page 440) to maintain normal driving characteristics in winter. Winter tires can reduce the braking distance on snow covered surfaces in comparison to summer tires. The braking distance is still much further than on surfaces that are not icy or snowy. Take appropriate care when driving. 453 ! Avoid wheelspin. This can lead to damage to the drive train. Temperature G Warning The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause excessive heat build-up and possible tire failure. Traction G Warning The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics. The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the tire's ability to stop on a wet surface as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. G Warning If ice has formed on the road, tire traction will be substantially reduced. Under such weather conditions, drive, steer and brake with extreme caution. The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the build up of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life. Furthermore, excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. The safe speed on a wet, snow covered or icy road is always lower than on dry road surfaces. You should pay special attention to road conditions when temperatures are around the freezing point. Mercedes-Benz recommends a minimum tire tread depth of 1/6 in (4 mm) for all four winter Tire labeling Tire labeling overview The following markings are on the tire in addition to the tire name (sales designation) and the manufacturer's name: Z Tires and wheels